MANILA – Despite the restrictions caused by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), Malacañang welcomed on Wednesday what is anticipated to be the highest voter turnout in the Philippines.
Acting presidential spokesperson and Communications Secretary Martin Andanar made the statement following the report of the Commission on Elections (Comelec) that a partial voter turnout of 80.38 percent as of Monday night.
During the 2016 elections, 81 percent of registered voters exercised their right to vote, which was the highest voter turnout ever recorded.
To date, local absentee voting turnout was 88 percent, the “highest” since 2010.
Comelec, on the other hand, logged at least 34 percent of overseas absentee voting.
“The high voter turnout is evidence of the growing political interest and maturity of our people,” Andanar said in a press statement.
Apart from the high voter turnout, the 2022 elections are also the fastest in transmitting election returns.
Andanar dubbed this year’s elections as “a showcase of the strength of our democratic system and institutions.”
He also urged the country to work together as they wait the official and final results of the vote tallies.
“The Filipino people have spoken and now is the time to heal and unite as one nation and one people,” he added.
Andanar, meanwhile, congratulated everyone involved in ensuring that the conduct of elections is generally peaceful and orderly.
He also gave “advance” congratulations to winners as they embarked on new responsibilities and challenges in their respective offices.
Over 65.7 million Filipinos have registered to vote in the May 2022 national and local elections, aside from the 1.697 million Filipinos overseas, according to the Comelec.
The poll body stated that more than 18,000 elective positions will be contested in this year’s elections.
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